Many of us don’t encounter the Social Security Administration (SSA) until we retire from work and begin collecting retirement benefits. But individuals receiving disability benefits from one of SSA’s two federal programs experience a transition in benefits as they approach retirement age.
When Does Social Security Disability Convert to Regular Social Security?
There are two federal Social Security Disability programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is work-based and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is needs-based. Both programs award successful applicants disability benefits in the form of monthly payments. SSDI payment amounts differ based on an individual’s prior earnings history. SSI benefits are capped and set at the same monthly amount for all recipients.
Individuals receiving disability benefits before they approach retirement age will experience a transition in benefits. So, at what age does disability turn to Social Security? We’ll cover the details as they relate to both disability programs below.
Disability Benefits Transitioning to Social Security Retirement
Individuals must meet two important criteria to receive traditional Social Security retirement benefits. The first is that they must have sufficient work credits to qualify for retirement benefits. The second is that they must reach ‘retirement age’ as defined by the SSA program. Beneficiaries receiving SSDI payments who meet the above criteria begin receiving SSA retirement benefits at retirement age. SSA’s retirement age is currently between 66 and 67 depending on your year of birth.
Disabled individuals receiving benefits from the SSI program also transition from disability to retirement benefits as they approach retirement age. But, the amount of work they’ve performed in the recent past will dictate how their benefits are funded. Their benefits may be provided through the traditional Social Security program or through SSI’s retirement program.
Regardless of which program they qualify under, SSI recipients do receive retirement benefits. These benefits are paid monthly after their disability benefits transition at retirement age.
However, SSDI and SSI beneficiaries do not need to do anything to notify SSA about their transition to retirement. But, if you have questions or believe your benefit amount may be incorrect, you can contact SSA directly with questions.
Winston Salem Disability Lawyer
This content was provided by Collins Price, PLLC. Contact our firm for a free consultation with a Winston Salem disability lawyer. Collins Price, PLLC is headquartered in Winston-Salem. Our experienced disability lawyers provide clients seeking disability benefits with professional legal representation at every stage of the disability process. There is no obligation to hire our firm and no fee for our services if you don’t win your claim.
